City to Begin Installation of 145,000 Automated Water Meters

1/21/2024

Starting Monday, January 22, the process of installing 145,000 new automated residential water meters for Tulsa residents is scheduled to begin. However, due to the likelihood of ice and freezing temperatures on Monday, crews may be delayed until Tuesday, January 23.  

This initiative is part of the City's True Reads Program, which involves the installation of new automated water meters and the systematic examination of service line materials to identify them and ensure that the City's system does not have lead pipes.  

The project also includes meter box replacements at most locations. The True Reads project is expected to take 3-4 years to complete. 

About AMR 

Water utilities use Automated Meter Reading (AMR) to collect water consumption data from meters automatically.  

PSO and ONG, along with other Tulsa utilities, have already implemented the use of automated meter technology. Similarly, neighboring communities like Jenks and Owasso have been using AMR for their water systems. Additionally, the City of Tulsa has been using AMR meters for several years in areas where it is difficult or unsafe to read meters manually.  

Notification & Installation Process 

Watch this informational video | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ums1y4Q6ZE  

The City continues to send out notifications to households before the contractor (Envocore/RTS Solutions) installs the new AMR meters. This is done by placing door hangers one to two weeks prior to the installation date. Households will receive a knock before the installation work starts.  

After the installation, a post-work door hanger is placed at each home. In the coming months, the contractor will also send out a postcard before the pre-work door hanger as another way of communication. 

AMR Meter Upgrade Program to Assist with Lead Service Line Inventory Efforts 

The project's service line inventory section is related to a new federally mandated regulation called the revised Lead & Copper Rule (LCRR). This regulation was announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2022. It requires all utilities in the United States to develop and update their inventory of lead services by October 16, 2024.  

To comply with this EPA mandate, Tulsa is taking advantage of the installation of the new AMR meters. The City is conducting an extensive investigation of service lines in the area where lead lines or connectors might be located.  

True Reads Project Map and Additional Information Available Online  

A map with current and upcoming installations, lead service line inventory, and FAQS for the True Reads project are now online at www.cityoftulsa.org/TrueReads.